Geneva Marie Carrica Thaxton

Geneva Marie Carrica Thaxton, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2021 at the Fowler Healthcare Center with her daughter and son-in-law by her side. She was 90 years of age, even though she wouldn’t ever admit it.

Geneva’s story began in Galena, KS on October 24, 1930. She was born to Roy & Anna (Greer) Snow. She had four brothers, Roy, Jr., Alvin, Jack and Kenneth; two sisters, Gertie and Mildred. Her childhood was spent between Missouri and Colorado, as her father searched for work. Geneva never finished high school, but did return to school later in life and received her GED.

She married Joseph Carrica, Sr. in a double ceremony in Syracuse, KS with her brother and Joe’s sister (Jack & Catherine) on August 28, 1946. They lived on the Carrica Ranch in Higbee (at one time in a sheepherder wagon), where they tended to the sheep and cattle herds. She loved riding horses with Joe and had no problem killing rattlesnakes and living the country life. Joe and Geneva had a son, Joseph, Jr. and later adopted two daughters, Yvette and Joi. They moved from the country to town many times, fixing up houses and reselling them. They even moved the home they built in Higbee into La Junta, which at that time was quite a feat. Geneva was never a good cook, but she made up for it by keeping the cleanest house around – they always had to be "show ready"! She loved her yard and was proud when she won an award for her yard in Rocky Ford. Geneva worked as a clerk for RP Lewis Sale Barn and La Junta Livestock and when the girls were in junior high, she helped at school. Following Joe’s expectant death in 1982, Geneva went to work for Big R.

Geneva was a member of Higbee and Timpas Clubs, which her neighbor, Lynn Ridennoure, got her involved in. Lots of good friend and memories were made through these clubs.

Geneva was fortunate to have found love twice in her life. She married Erv Thaxton on March 6, 1995 in Las Animas and was blessed with four lovely step-children and their families, Ken (Jacque), Rob (Mary), Diane (Bill Baublits) and Kathy Edwards. She and Erv had 16 fun filled years together, dancing and playing golf together. He preceded her in death in 2011, at which she moved to Rocky Ford to be closer to her daughter, Yvette and family.

Geneva learned to oil paint late in life which helped pass the time. She always signed her painting with “ODAT”, which meant "One Day At A Time"- she lived by that motto everyday of her life. She loved going to yard sales, reading "clean" western books, doing puzzles, playing cards, watching Gunsmoke and being with her grandkids. She always took pride in herself and would never leave the house without her hair and makeup done and something nice on, including accessories. Her smile and twinkle in those blue eyes were contagious and will be missed. She lived her life with grace, dignity, and strength and never complained. She loved unconditionally and expected nothing in return – a legacy that will be hard to carry on……

In 2017, Geneva decided she needed more attention and moved to Cottonwood Assisted Living in Rocky Ford. She met lots of good friends there and was always so thankful for all the love and care that was given to her while there. Many hours were spent visiting, playing dominoes, cards, bingo and working puzzles with her good friends – Peggy, Lois, Eleanor, Marion and Dixie. When she needed more care, she moved to the Fowler Healthcare Center, where she was welcomed with love, respect and compassion. She loved all the attention and good food she got there.

Geneva is survived by her daughter, Yvette (Vernon John) Proctor and special grandchildren, Heath (Kelcie) and Rhett (Cayla) Proctor all of Rocky Ford, step-children, Ken (Jacque) Thaxton, Bill (Diane) Baublits and Kathy Edwards all of Las Animas; Rob (Mary) Thaxton of Arizona; son, Joe (Denise) Carrica of Swink; daughter, Joi (Martin) Rogers of South Dakota; in-laws, Bob (Maxie Lu) Carrica of La Junta; Alice Memechen and Keith (Beverly) Lusk of Denver; special nieces, Mary Ann Livingston of Arizona and Carolyn Tyler of Salida. 16 Grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and five great, great-grandchildren also survive.
She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, her four brothers and two sisters and special niece, Evelyn Phillips.

Funeral service will be Monday, April 26, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel with Pastor John Dell of the First Christian Church officiating. Interment will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in La Junta.

Those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to the Rocky Ford Christian Church, 400 S. 9th St., Rocky Ford, CO 81067, Cottonwood Assisted Living, 1122 S. 12th St., Rocky Ford, CO 81067 or the Fowler Healthcare Center, 221 2nd St., Fowler, CO 81039 direct or through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.